The Pennsauken Township Police Department has investigated five separate carjackings since December 6, 2021.

December 6, 2021: This occurred in a parking lot of the Sycamore Ridge Apartment Complex. In this instance, three victims were robbed of their vehicle, which was later recovered in Philadelphia. One of the victims sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. They were treated at a local hospital and released that day. The suspect vehicle was later located on the lot of the complex. Arrested in that vehicle was a Matthew Marson, age 20, of Fairless Hills, PA. During his arrest, Marson was found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun, equipped with a high-capacity magazine as well as 7.9 oz of suspected marijuana. The investigation into the carjacking is ongoing.

December 8, 2021: This incident occurred at 3611 River Road. During this incident a tow truck driver, who was on location to pick up a vehicle, was forced at gunpoint to drive to Philadelphia. While crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge, the victim jumped from the vehicle. Through investigation by Pennsauken Police Detectives, the two suspects were arrested and charged for the carjacking. They were identified as Naquan Hodge, age 21, of Woodlynne, NJ and Ronnie Watkins, age 27 of Camden, NJ.

December 25, 2021: This incident occurred in a parking lot of the Sycamore Ridge Apartment Complex. In this case, the victim arrived at the complex to purchase marijuana. The victim was punched in the face, robbed of $130.00 and his vehicle. Through investigation by Pennsauken Police Detectives, two suspects were developed and charged on a warrant. They were identified as Luis Ortiz, age 19 of Pennsauken and Nassear Anderson, age 22 of Pennsauken. Ortiz was arrested in Philadelphia, PA and is jailed there pending extradition to New Jersey. Anderson was located on the night of January 9, 2022 at the Sycamore Ridge Apartment Complex. During his arrest by Pennsauken Police, he was found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun, equipped with a high-capacity magazine. He was also in possession of a quantity of suspected CDS. It should also be noted that at the time of these incidents, Anderson was on release from jail, prior to his disposition for three other pending cases, involving weapon and drug charges. The stolen vehicle was later located.

January 7, 2022: This incident occurred at the Wawa, 5221 Route 70. A victim reports that she was filling air in her vehicle’s tires, when an unknown suspect entered the vehicle and began to drive away. The victim was injured during the theft of the vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered in Camden City. The investigation is ongoing.

January 18, 2022: This incident occurred at the Wawa, 8000 S. Crescent Blvd. A victim reports that he was putting air in his vehicle’s tires. An unknown suspect, exited another vehicle, pushed the victim to the ground and drove away with the victim’s vehicle. The victim sustained minor injuries. Both the victim’s vehicle and the suspect vehicle were later located in Camden City. The investigation is ongoing.

Suspects have been charged in relation to three of the five carjacking incidents. There has been an uptick in carjackings throughout Southern New Jersey, as well as our surrounding areas. We are working with our law enforcement partners to combat these carjackings and bring these offenders to justice.

Carjackings are commonly a crime of opportunity. Please take the following steps to reduce your chance of being a victim to a carjacking:

1. Do not leave your vehicle running with the keys inside of it.
2. Do not leave your vehicle unlocked.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not get distracted with cell phones, headphones, or other devices.
4. Be aware of people who are acting suspiciously.